Groundhog’s Day Learning Activities for Kids

Groundhog Day is a fun way for kids to learn about groundhogs and what it means when they see their shadow. If you are having a hard time coming up with ideas for crafts or activities, though, look no further. Here are some really great options that don’t cost a whole lot.

6 Groundhog’s Day Learning Activities for Kids

 

Groundhog Story Time and Art Project

Tell kids the story of the groundhog, what it means if they see their shadow or not, and then have them draw you five things that are groundhog related. These can be a groundhog, a weather forecast, or even the silly hat worn by announcers on this day. Let them have fun and then have them tell you a story about their pictures.

 

Pop-Up Groundhog

Materials:

• Disposable cup
• Popsicle Stick (Larger tongue depressor size)
• Construction paper
• Tape
• Markers/Crayons
• Scissors and box knife, if available

Directions:

Cut a hole in the bottom of the cup, just large enough for the stick to go through. You can use scissors or a box knife to do this. If your children are old enough, they may be able to help, or just cut the slit yourself.

Trace a groundhog onto brown or tan paper and cut it out. Or, print an image and let your children color it. Then, have the kids draw a face onto your groundhog. Tape the groundhog to the stick and pull the groundhog inside the cup. To go the extra mile, you can also cut out grass from green paper and glue it all over the cup. Your groundhog can now pop up and down by moving the stick up and down.

 

Write It Out

If you have older kids, ask them to write you a story about a bad weather day, then ask them to tell you how the groundhog could fix that bad weather. If they are inclined, also have them draw a picture to go with it. You can even give them a set of words (like rain clouds, snow, sunshine, and so on) to help them use when they write the story.

 

Groundhog Mask

Materials:

• Paint
• Disposable Plate
• String/Yarn
• Hole Punch

Directions: Have kids paint the paper plate and paint or color a groundhog face on it. Hole punch the sides and run the string through, tying it to stay in place. Alternatively, your child can hold up the mask. You can have kids decorate with ribbons, bows, and all sorts of other odds and ends to make it unique. Have the child wear the mask up on their forehead or cut eye holes out.

 

Weather Word Challenge

Ask kids to come up with as many weather-related words as they can think of, and ask them to draw pictures of each. The child who comes up with the most can win a treat. You can also track the weather all week.

 

Find Your Shadow

Head outside and look for your own shadow. Try looking for your shadows at different times of the day like first thing in the morning, middle of the day, and late in the afternoon. Make note of how your shadow changes as the sun changes.

What other creative Groundhog’s Day Learning Activities for Kids ideas do you have?